Conductive convective climate controlled seat

ABSTRACT

A climate controlled assembly includes a support member having a first surface configured to support an occupant, a channel within the support, the channel extending from the first surface through a portion of the support, a thermoelectric device positioned within the channel, a heat exchanger conductively coupled to a first side of the thermoelectric device, the heat exchanger positioned within the channel and a flexible conductive member conductively coupled to a second side of the thermoelectric device, a portion of the flexible conductive member extending along the first surface of the support member.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

BACKGROUND Field

This application generally relates to a climate control system, and morespecifically, a climate control system with a conductive member.

Description of the Related Art

Temperature modified air for environmental control of living or workingspace is typically provided to relatively extensive areas, such asentire buildings, selected offices, or suites of rooms within abuilding. In the case of vehicles, such as automobiles, the entirevehicle is typically cooled or heated as a unit. There are manysituations, however, in which more selective or restrictive airtemperature modification is desirable. For example, it is oftendesirable to provide an individualized climate control for an occupantseat so that substantially instantaneous heating or cooling can beachieved. For example, an automotive vehicle exposed to the summerweather, where the vehicle has been parked in an unshaded area for along period, can cause the vehicle seat to be very hot and uncomfortablefor the occupant for some time after entering and using the vehicle,even with normal air conditioning. Furthermore, even with normalair-conditioning, on a hot day, the occupant's back and other pressurepoints may remain sweaty while seated. In the winter, it is highlydesirable to have the ability to warm the seat of the occupant quicklyto facilitate the occupant's comfort, especially where the normalvehicle heater is unlikely to warm the vehicle's interior as quickly.

For such reasons, there have been various types of individualizedtemperature control systems for vehicle seats. Such temperature controlsystems typically include a distribution system comprising a combinationof channels and passages formed in the back and/or seat cushions of theseat. A thermal module thermally conditions the air and delivers theconditioned air to seat channels and passages. The conditioned air flowsthrough the channels and passages to cool or heat the space adjacent thesurface of the vehicle seat.

Thus, while such systems are useful, there is a continuing desire toimprove temperature control apparatuses and methods for a climatecontrol system for vehicle seats and other seating assemblies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, one aspect of the present application comprises a climatecontrolled assembly. The assembly comprises a support member having asupport surface configured to support an occupant; a blower configuredto draw air adjacent the support surface of the support member; athermoelectric device disposed on the support member and including amain side and a waste side; a heat exchanger conductively coupled to thewaste side of the thermoelectric device; and a conductive memberconductively coupled to the main side of the thermoelectric device, atleast a portion of the conductive member extending along the supportsurface of the support member, wherein during operation, the blowerdraws air adjacent the support surface at the same time thethermoelectric device cools the conductive member. In some aspects, theassembly further comprises a channel within the support member, thechannel extending from the support surface through a portion of thesupport member, wherein the blower is configured to withdraw airadjacent the support surface of the support into the channel. In someaspects, the thermoelectric device and the heat exchanger are positionedat least partially within the channel. In some aspects, the supportmember is a seat for a vehicle. In some aspects, the support member is abed. In some aspects, the conductive member is a flexible metal mesh. Insome aspects, the assembly further comprises a comfort layer and a trimlayer covering the support surface of the support member. In someaspects, the conductive member extends along the support surface of thesupport member below the comfort layer. In some aspects, the conductivemember comprises a first conductive member and a second conductivemember conductively coupled to the main side of the thermoelectricdevice. In some aspects, the assembly further comprises an intermediatemember conductively coupled to the conductive member and to the mainside of the thermoelectric device.

Another aspect of the present application comprises a climate controlledassembly. The assembly comprises a support member having a first surfaceconfigured to support an occupant; a channel within the support member,the channel extending from the first surface through a portion of thesupport; a thermoelectric device positioned within the channel; a heatexchanger conductively coupled to a first side of the thermoelectricdevice, the heat exchanger positioned within the channel; and at leastone conductive member conductively coupled to a second side of thethermoelectric device, a portion of the conductive member extendingalong the first surface of the support member. In some aspects, theassembly further comprises a recess positioned within the support memberbetween the first surface and the channel and a permeable memberpositioned within the recess. In some aspects, the assembly furthercomprises a comfort layer positioned on the first surface of the supportmember, wherein the at least one conductive member is positioned betweenthe permeable member and the comfort layer. In some aspects, theassembly further comprises an insulating layer positioned between theconductive member and the first surface. In some aspects, the assemblyfurther comprises an intermediate conductive member, wherein the atleast one conductive member is coupled to the intermediate conductivemember and the intermediate conductive member is coupled to thethermoelectric device.

Yet another aspect of the present application comprises a method forthermally conditioning a support assembly that includes a supportstructure that defines a support surface. The method comprises operatinga thermoelectric device, the thermoelectric device including a main sideand a waste side; drawing air from adjacent the support surface througha heat exchanger conductively coupled to the waste side of thethermoelectric device; cooling, using the thermoelectric device, aconductive member conductively coupled to the main side of thethermoelectric device and located adjacent the support surface; andconductively cooling the support surface by simultaneously performingthe steps of drawing air from adjacent the support surface and coolingthe conductive member. In some aspects, the conductive member is aflexible conductive member that extends along the support surface. Insome aspects, the thermoelectric device is located at least partiallywithin the support structure.

Another aspect of the present application comprises a climate controldevice. The device comprises a thermoelectric device having a main sideand a waste side, the thermoelectric device configured to heat or coolair; a first heat exchanger defining a flow path adjacent the waste sideof the thermos electric device and conductively coupled to the wasteside of the thermoelectric device; and a flexible first conductivemember extending beyond the thermoelectric device and conductivelycoupled to the main side the thermoelectric device. In some aspects, thefirst conductive member is a flexible woven material. In some aspects,the first conductive member is a flexible metallic material. In someaspects, a length of the first conductive member is at least 150 mm. Insome aspects, a length of the first conductive member is at least 200mm. In some aspects, a length of the first conductive member is at least50 mm. In some aspects, a length of the first conductive member isbetween 50 mm and 100 mm. In some aspects, a length of the firstconductive member is between 200 mm and 250 mm. In some aspects, thedevice further comprises an intermediate conductive member, wherein theflexible first conductive member is coupled to the intermediateconductive member and the intermediate conductive member is coupled tothe thermoelectric device.

Yet another aspect of the present application comprises an apparatus forthermally conditioning a space adjacent a support assembly that includesa support structure that defines a support surface. The apparatuscomprises a blower; a thermoelectric device including a main side and awaste side; a heat exchanger conductively coupled to the waste side ofthe thermoelectric device and defining a flow path adjacent the wasteside for receiving fluid from the blower; and a flexible conductivemember distanced from the thermoelectric device and conductively coupledto the main side of the thermoelectric device. In some aspects, theflexible conductive member is a flexible woven material. In someaspects, the flexible conductive member is a flexible metallic material.In some aspects, a length of the flexible conductive member is at least150 mm. In some aspects, a length of the flexible conductive member isat least 200 mm. In some aspects, a length of the flexible conductivemember is at least 50 mm. In some aspects, a length of the flexibleconductive member is between 50 mm and 100 mm. In some aspects, a lengthof the flexible conductive member is between 200 mm and 250 mm. In someaspects, the apparatus further comprises an intermediate conductivemember, wherein the flexible conductive member is coupled to theintermediate conductive member and the intermediate conductive member iscoupled to the thermoelectric device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a push type ventilated seatsystem;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a pull type ventilated seatsystem;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment hybrid seatclimate control system according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a portion of FIG. 3of an embodiment hybrid seat climate control system according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the seat climate control system of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a modified embodiment of the seat climatecontrol system of FIG. 4 according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment thermoelectric device coupled toa conductive member according to the present disclosure and illustratinga temperature gradient along the conductive member;

FIG. 8 is a side view of another embodiment thermoelectric devicecoupled to a conductive member according to the present disclosure andillustrating a temperature gradient along the conductive member;

FIG. 9 is a top view of another embodiment of a seat climate controlsystem according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a top view of another embodiment of a seat climate controlsystem according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates a set of thermoelectric devices (TEDs) arranged inseries according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 illustrates an on-board thermistor for measuring temperatureaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a top view of another embodiment of a seat climate controlsystem according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a seatclimate control system according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a seatclimate control system according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a seatclimate control system according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment hybridseat climate control system according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a seatclimate control system according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 17B is a top view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17A;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a seatclimate control system according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 19A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of coupling a thermallyconductive element to a thermoelectric device according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 19B illustrates a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG.19A;

FIG. 20A illustrates a top view of another embodiment of coupling athermally conductive member to a thermoelectric device according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 20B illustrates a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG.20A;

FIG. 21A illustrates a top view of another embodiment of coupling athermally conductive member to a thermoelectric device according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 21B illustrates a side view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG.21A;

FIG. 21C illustrates another top view of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 21A;

FIG. 21D illustrates an enlarged view of the connection between theflexible conductive members and the thermoelectric device of theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 21C;

FIG. 22A illustrates one embodiment of a thermoelectric device accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 22B illustrates one embodiment of a flexible conductive memberaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 22C illustrates a cross-section of the flexible conductive memberillustrated in FIG. 22B;

FIG. 23 illustrates a coupling between a flexible conductive member anda thermoelectric device;

FIG. 24 illustrates a coupling between a flexible conductive member anda thermoelectric device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of coupling athermally conductive member to a thermoelectric device according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 26 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of coupling athermally conductive member to a thermoelectric device according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 27A illustrates a view of another embodiment of coupling athermally conductive member to a thermoelectric device according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 27B illustrates a cross-section of the embodiment shown in FIG.27A;

FIG. 28A illustrates another embodiment of coupling a thermallyconductive member to a thermoelectric device according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 28B illustrates another view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG.28A;

FIG. 28C illustrates a cross-section of the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 28B;

FIG. 29 illustrates one embodiment of a conditioning zone for oneconfiguration of a thermally conductive member coupled to athermoelectric device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 30 illustrates another embodiment of a conditioning zone for oneconfiguration of a thermally conductive member coupled to athermoelectric device according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 31 illustrates another embodiment of coupling a plurality ofthermally conductive members to a thermoelectric device according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 32 illustrates another embodiment of coupling a plurality ofthermally conductive members to a thermoelectric device according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 33 illustrates another embodiment of coupling a plurality ofthermally conductive members to a thermoelectric device according to thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 34 illustrates another embodiment of coupling a thermallyconductive member to a thermoelectric device according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 35 illustrates another embodiment of coupling a thermallyconductive member to a thermoelectric device according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 36 illustrates another embodiment of coupling a thermallyconductive member to a thermoelectric device according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 37 illustrates another embodiment of coupling a thermallyconductive member to a thermoelectric device according to the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 38A and 38B illustrate another embodiment of a seat climatecontrol system according to the present disclosure with FIG. 38A being atop view of a seat control system and FIG. 38B being a cross-sectionalview through FIG. 38A;

FIGS. 39A and 39B further illustrate the embodiment shown in FIGS. 38Aand 38B with FIG. 39A being a top view of a seat control system and FIG.39B being a cross-sectional view through FIG. 39A;

FIG. 40 illustrates an embodiment of a manifold system for a seatclimate control system according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a push type ventilated seat system100. As shown in FIG. 1, the illustrated system comprises a seat portion102 and a backrest portion 104 (shown in cross-section). The system caninclude a blower 106 for the seat portion 102 and a blower 108 for thebackrest portion 104. The blowers 106, 108 can push air through channels110, 112 formed in the seat. In this manner, air drawn in from theambient cabin can be pushed through the seat to provide comfort to apassenger sitting on the seat. The blowers 110, 112 can include athermoelectric module (e.g., as described below) for selectivelyproviding cooled or heated air to the passenger. One possibledisadvantage with a push type system is that the air received by theblower and then delivered to the thermoelectric module may be hotterthan the ambient air due to the configuration of the vehicle's heating,ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and due to theinefficiencies of a blower converting electrical power to airflow power.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a pull type ventilated seat system200. As shown in the FIG. 2, the illustrated pull type system 200 cancomprise a seat portion 202 and a backrest portion 204 (shown incross-section). The system 200 can include a blower 206 for the seatportion 202 and a blower 208 for the backrest portion 204. In thisarrangement, the blowers 206, 208 can pull air from a top surface of theseat through channels 210, 212 formed in the seat. In this manner, airdrawn in from the ambient cabin next to the seated passenger can bepulled through the seat to provide comfort to a passenger sitting on theseat. However, in this system there is no active cooling and/or heating.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate an embodiment of a seat climate control system300 employing a combination of convective and conductive thermalconditioning. In one arrangement, convective cooling is provided via aseat ventilation system or thermoelectric assembly 302 which draws orpulls air (as indicated by arrows 406 and 412) through a conditionedsurface A (e.g., a “top” surface which is nearest the occupant). Ablower 410 can pull air (as indicated by arrows 406 and 412) from thetop surface A through channel 414 formed in the seat (shown incross-section). Conductive cooling can be provided by a thermoelectricdevice or TED 408 having a flexible conductive member 404 (e.g., a braidmade of conductive material) extending along the surface B that is belowthe outer, or conditioned, surface A. In the illustrated arrangement,the flexible conductive member 404 is positioned beneath the conditionedsurface A (e.g., by placing the flexible conductive element 404 beneaththe trim and/or covering of the seat and/or beneath an intermediatelayer). The trim and/or covering of the seat can be leather, upholstery,or other suitable covering for a seat. In some embodiments, anintermediate layer (e.g., cushion, spacer fabric, etc.) could be locatedbeneath the trim layer but above the conductive member. In someembodiments, as described below, the conductive member may be placedjust below the top surface or integrated into the support member orcushion 303. Note that many of the following drawings the top surface isoften omitted from the drawings for clarity.

When positioned below the top surface A, the flexible conductive member404 can be positioned close enough to the top surface to provide acooling or heating effect to the occupant through conduction. In certainembodiments, a portion of the flexible conductive member is positionedwithin 0.5 mm and 200 mm of the top surface. In certain embodiments, theflexible conductive 404 member can also extend along the top surface Ato form part of the top surface A and/or extend partially below the topsurface A and also extend partially along the top surface A. In someembodiments, heat transfer devices such as fins 402 may be placed on thewaste or hot side of the thermoelectric device 408. While theillustrated embodiment shows the thermoelectric device or TED 408positioned in a channel extending through the seat, in modifiedarrangements of the embodiments described herein the thermoelectricdevice or TED 408 can be disposed on or coupled to the support structurein a different or modified arrangement. For example, the channel can bepositioned along a top surface, side or bottom surface of the seat orsupport structure. The thermoelectric device or TED 408 or portionthereof can be positioned in a channel positioned along a side, top orbottom surface of the seat or support structure and/or along a side, topor bottom portion of the seat or support structure.

The thermoelectric device can be a Peltier thermoelectric module, whichincludes a Peltier circuit. A Peltier circuit is a type ofthermoelectric device that comprises two sides, each of which is eitherheated or cooled when current is delivered through the circuit. Forexample, when voltage is applied in a first direction through thethermoelectric device, one side generally generates heat while theopposite side absorbs heat (i.e., is “cooled”). The thermoelectricdevice can be configured so that switching the polarity of the circuitcan create the opposite effect. Typically, thermoelectric devicescomprise a closed circuit that includes dissimilar materials. As a DCvoltage is applied across the closed circuit, a temperature change isgenerated at the junction of the dissimilar materials. Thus, dependingon the direction that electrical current flows through thethermoelectric device, heat is either emitted or absorbed.Thermoelectric devices can include several such junctions connectedelectrically in series. The junctions can be sandwiched between twoceramic plates that generally form the cold side and the hot side of thedevice. The cold side and hot side can be thermally coupled to one ormore heat transfer devices (e.g., fins, such as fins 402, or a flexibleconductive member, such as member 404) that facilitate heat transferwith a volume of air or other fluid. Thus, air or other fluid can bepassed through or near the cold and/or hot side of a thermoelectricdevice (e.g., Peltier circuit) to selectively heat and/or cool the airor other fluid. In some embodiments, a control module may be used toactivate the thermoelectric device.

As shown in FIG. 4, the thermoelectric module 302 in the illustratedembodiment includes a thermoelectric device 408 (Peltier circuit). Oneside of the thermoelectric device 408 is coupled to a heat exchanger 404(which can be in the form of fins), which form the “hot” or waste sideof the thermoelectric device 408. The opposite side of thethermoelectric device 408 is coupled to the flexible thermallyconductive member 404 (e.g., a thermally conductive flexible braid). Asshown in FIG. 4, the heat exchanger 404 of the waste side of the module408 can be positioned within a channel 414 formed in the seat 301. Thechannel 414, in turn, is in fluid communication with a fan or blower 410positioned, for example, beneath the seat 301. In certain arrangements,the fan or blower 410 can be positioned closer to the thermoelectricmodule 302 (e.g., within the channel 414 and/or integrated with thethermometric electric module 302 (e.g., by positioning the blower nearor adjacent the thermoelectric module 302 and/or within the samehousing) The blower 410, in turn, can draw or pull air from the “top”surface of the seat down into the channels 414 and through the wasteside heat exchanger 402. In this manner, heat is removed from the heatexchangers 402 positioned within the channels 414 while the thermallyconductive flexible member 404 is cooled. If desired, the thermoelectricdevice 408 can be operated in “reverse” such that heat from the ambientair is absorbed by the fins 402 in the channel 414 (that is, the airflowing through the fins 402 are cooled) so as to heat the thermallyconductive flexible member 404 coupled to the other side of thethermoelectric device 408.

In one embodiment, the flexible conductive member 404 comprises a copperbraid and/or mesh material. However, in other embodiments, othermaterials could be used (e.g., aluminum, graphite and/or grapheme)and/or other configurations (e.g., non-braided configurations, thinstripes, etc.). It should also be appreciated that while the member 404is described as being flexible portions of the flexible conductivemember 404 may not be flexible. For example, in one embodiment only theportions of the flexible conductive member 404 near and/or in contactwith the occupant may be flexible.

FIG. 4 and the following figures of this application show the climatecontrol seat system 302 with combination of a convective and conductivethermal conditioning in the context of a standard automotive seat with aseat portion and a back portion. However, it should be appreciated thatcertain features and aspects of the climate controlled seat assemblydescribed herein may also be used in other seat configurations and avariety of other applications and environments. For example, certainfeatures and aspects of the combination of a convective and conductivethermal conditioning described herein may be adapted for use in othervehicles, such as, for example, an airplane, a boat, or the like.Further, certain features and aspects of combination of a convective andconductive thermal conditioning may also be adapted for use instationary environments, such as, for example, a chair, a sofa, atheater seat, a mattress, a topper for mattress, and an office seat thatis used in a place of business and/or residence. Further, certainfeatures and aspects of combination of a convective and conductivethermal conditioning can be used in arrangements in which a space iscooled (e.g., a storage bin).

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the system 302 of FIG. 4. As shown inFIG. 5, the flexible thermally conductive member 404 can extend from thechannel in the seat 301 over a portion of the subsurface B of thecushion 303. FIG. 6 illustrates a modified embodiment in which fourconductive members 604, 605, 606, 607 extend from the thermoelectricdevice 608 to cover a larger portion of the cushion 303. As describedabove, in certain arrangements, the conductive members and subsurface Bof the cushion can be covered with a trim or top layer (e.g., a seatcovering material such as upholstery, leather, cloth) and/or anintermediate layer (e.g., a spacer fabric, a comfort layer and/or anadditional cushioning layer, etc.) positioned between the top layer anda seat cushion. In certain arrangements, the conductive members orportions thereof can form part of the trim or top layer and/or bepositioned above the intermediate layer (if provided). The trim layer ortop layer (e.g., a seat covering material such as upholstery, leather,cloth) and/or an intermediate layer can be made of air permeablematerial and/or can be perforated or otherwise formed with holes and/orpassages for allowing the flow of air there-through such that air canflow through the trim or top later and/or the intermediate layer intothe channel or channels.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the advantages and potential disadvantages ofthe thickness of the flexible conductive member. It is anticipated that,in general, a thicker conductive member will provide better conductionof temperature as compared to a thinner conductive member. However, itis anticipated that, in general, the thinner conductive member would bemore flexible and provide better comfort to an occupant sitting on theseat.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, for a thick braid 704 connected tothermoelectric device 708, the thickness of the braid 704 provides goodconduction of temperature throughout the braid 704, as illustrated bythe arrows 710. As illustrated in the graph 720 which illustrates thetemperature 722 of the braid along its length X, the temperature of thebraid does not significantly change along its length, that is, thetemperature of the braid near the thermoelectric device is almost thesame as the temperature of the braid furthest away from thethermoelectric device and stays below the ambient temperature 724.Additionally, a user may feel the thick braid under the seat coveringwhen sitting in the seat or may feel a distinct temperature differenceat the seat surface directly over the braid versus the seat surface notcovering the braid. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a heatexchanger 702 may be coupled to the waste side of the thermoelectricdevice 708.

A similar temperature graph is illustrated in FIG. 8 for a thin braid804. As illustrated in graph 820, the temperature 822 along the braid804 varies much more for the thin braid 804 than for the thick braid 704shown in FIG. 7. Additionally, the temperature 822 of the braid 804further away from the thermoelectric device 808 is higher and closer tothe ambient temperature 824 than for the thick braid 704. This widertemperature gradient can create an uneven temperature feel in the seatthat may be uncomfortable for the user. In addition, the overall levelof cooling may be reduced. While the thin braid 804 may be more flexibleand therefore lead to less of a distinct “feel” within the seat cushion,the thin braid 804 does not conduct heat as well as a thick braid,leading to an uneven temperature gradient along the braid that may befelt by the user through the seat cushion. Similar to the embodimentshown in FIG. 4, a heat exchanger 802 may be coupled to the waste sideof the thermoelectric device 808.

FIG. 9 is a top view of another embodiment of the system 900 in which asingle thermoelectric device 908 is coupled to more than one conductivemember (e.g., four in the illustrated arrangement as illustrated byreference numbers 904, 905, 906, and 907). Similar to the embodimentshown in FIG. 4, a heat exchanger 902 may be coupled to the waste sideof the thermoelectric device 908 and can be positioned within a channelformed in the support member or cushion 903. In some embodiments, thelength of each conductive member may be between about 200-250 mm. Inother embodiments, the length of each conductive member may be at leastabout 50 mm, at least about 75 mm, at least about 100 mm, at least about125 mm, at least about 150 mm, at least about 200 mm, or at least about225 mm. In other embodiments, the length of each conductive member maybe between about 100-300 mm, between about 125-275 mm, or between about150-250 mm. As described above, in certain arrangements, the conductivemembers and subsurface B of the cushion can be covered with a trim ortop layer (e.g., a seat covering material such as upholstery, leather,cloth) and/or an intermediate layer (e.g., a spacer fabric, a comfortlayer and/or an additional cushioning layer, etc.) positioned betweenthe top layer and a seat cushion. In certain arrangements, theconductive members or portions thereof can form part of the trim or toplayer and/or be positioned above the intermediate layer (if provided).

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment in which the system 1000 can includemore than one channel (e.g., four in the illustrated arrangement) formedin the support member or cushion 1003. Each channel defines athermally-conditioned “zone” 1001A, 1001B, 1001C, and 1001D. Eachchannel or zone can include a one thermoelectric device and/or wasteside heat exchanger, such as thermoelectric devices 1002A, 1002B, 1002C,and 1002D. One or more conductive members (e.g., conductive flexiblebraids) can be coupled to each of the thermoelectric devices, asillustrated by conductive members 1004A, 1004B, 1004C, and 1004D. Insome embodiments, the length of each conductive member (one illustrativelength 1005 is illustrated) may be between about 50-100 mm. In otherembodiments, the length of each conductive member may be at least 25 mm,at least 40 mm, at least 50 mm, at least 65 mm, or at least 75 mm. Inother embodiments, the length of each conductive member may be between25 and 125 mm, between 35 and 100 mm, or between 50 and 75 mm. Asdescribed above, in certain arrangements, the conductive members 1004A-Dand subsurface B of the cushion can be covered with a trim or top layer(e.g., a seat covering material such as upholstery, leather, cloth)and/or an intermediate layer (e.g., a spacer fabric, a comfort layerand/or an additional cushioning layer, etc.) positioned between the toplayer and a seat cushion. In certain arrangements, the conductivemembers or portions thereof can form part of the trim or top layerand/or be positioned above the intermediate layer (if provided).

FIG. 10 illustrates one conductive element associated with each channel.Although not illustrated in FIG. 10, each channel can be associated witha blower and/or a manifold system could be provided beneath and/orwithin so as to withdraw air from each of the channels with a singleblower (or combination of blowers). In embodiments that include multiplethermoelectric devices, the thermoelectric devices can be arranged inseries as shown in FIG. 11 or in parallel. When the thermoelectricdevices are arranged in series, as shown in FIG. 11, less wiring may beneeded. When the thermoelectric devices are arranged in parallel, afailure of one thermoelectric device will not affect the remainingthermoelectric devices and the remaining devices will continue tooperate. As shown in FIG. 12, the system can include at least oneon-board thermistor for measuring the temperature of the thermoelectricdevice. The temperature information can be used as part of a controland/or safety system.

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the system 1300 in which multiplethermoelectric devices are used but only one of the thermoelectricdevices includes a thermistor. As shown in FIG. 13, the seat 1303 canhave multiple channels formed in the support member or cushion 1303 witheach channel containing a thermoelectric device connected to one or moreconductive members (e.g., conductive flexible braids). Each of theconductive members 1304A, 1304B, 1304C, and 1304D is connected to athermoelectric device 1302A, 1302B, 1302C, 1302D. As illustrated, eachof the thermoelectric devices 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C are two-wirethermoelectric devices while the thermoelectric device 1302D is afour-wire thermoelectric device equipped with a thermistor to measurethe temperature of the thermoelectric device. In other embodiments, oneor more of the thermoelectric devices 1302A, 1302B, 1302C, 1302D mayinclude thermistors for measuring the temperature(s) of thethermoelectric device(s). Desirably, to minimize conduction lossesthroughout the conductive member, the thermoelectric device should belocated as close to the top or “A” surface of the seat as possible. Asdescribed above, in certain arrangements, the conductive members 1304A-Dand subsurface B of the cushion 1303 can be covered with a trim or toplayer (e.g., a seat covering material such as upholstery, leather,cloth) and/or an intermediate layer (e.g., a spacer fabric, a comfortlayer and/or an additional cushioning layer, etc.) positioned betweenthe top layer and a seat cushion. In certain arrangements, theconductive members or portions thereof can form part of the trim or toplayer and/or be positioned above the intermediate layer (if provided).

As described above, in one embodiment, the thermoelectric device and thewaste side heat exchanger are positioned beneath the top surface of thecushion and generally within a channel that extends through the seat.FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate two locations for a thermoelectric assemblywithin a seat 1403. As shown in FIG. 14, the thermoelectric assembly1400 can be positioned near or adjacent the top surface of the seat1403. As with the thermoelectric assembly 302 discussed above withrespect to FIG. 4, conductive cooling can be provided by athermoelectric device 1408 having a flexible conductive member 1404(e.g., a braid made of conductive material) extending along thesubsurface B. The flexible conductive member 1404 is in the illustratedembodiment is positioned beneath the conditioned surface (e.g., byplacing the flexible conductive element 1404 beneath the trim and/orcovering of the seat). In some embodiments, fins 1402 may be placed onthe waste or hot side of the thermoelectric device 1408. A channel 1414may be provided such that air may be pulled through the cushion 1403 andthrough a heat exchanger 1402 as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 3and 4.

In other embodiments, the thermoelectric assembly can be positioneddeeper within the seat 1503, as illustrated by assembly 1500 shown inFIG. 15. The flexible conductive member 1504 is in the illustratedembodiment is positioned beneath the conditioned surface (e.g., byplacing the flexible conductive element 1504 beneath the trim and/orcovering of the seat). In some embodiments, fins 1502 may be placed onthe waste or hot side of the thermoelectric device 1508. As shown inFIG. 15, one disadvantage of positioning the thermoelectric device 1508and/or heat exchanger (e.g., fins 1502) deeper within the channel 1514of the seat 1503 is that the ambient air 1520, which is typically at ahigher temperature than the conductive member 1504, may heat therelatively cooler flexible conductive member 1504 as the air passesthrough the channel 1514, as illustrated by arrow 1522. This heattransfer by the ambient air to the member 1504 increases thermal losses.To mitigate this thermal loss, a thermally insulating material 1540 canbe applied to the exposed surface of the conductive member. Thethermally insulating material 1540 may be an insulated sheath wrappingaround the conductive member 1504 or may be a coating on the side of themember 1504 facing the airflow.

FIG. 16A illustrates an arrangement of an assembly 1600 in which porousspacer material 1601 (e.g., a “comfort layer”) is positioned between thetop layer 1605 (e.g., leather or fabric) and the subsurface B of theseat 1603. In this arrangement, the flexible thermally conductive member1604 can extend through an opening or gap in the spacer material 1601.The porous spacer material 1601 desirably facilitates the ventilationfunction of the seat, that is, allows air to be pulled through the topsurface into the channels within the seat. The flexible conductivemember 1604 is in the illustrated embodiment is positioned beneath theconditioned surface (e.g., by placing the flexible conductive element1604 beneath the trim 1605 and/or covering of the seat). In someembodiments, fins or heat exchangers 1602 may be placed on the waste orhot side of the thermoelectric device 1608 and as shown thethermoelectric device can be positioned within a channel 1614 extendingthrough the seat. In a modified arrangement, a groove or channel can beformed in the seat 1603 to accommodate the conductive member 1604 or aportion thereof and/or a groove or channel in the seat can be used incombination with an opening or gap in the spacer material 1601 toaccommodate the conductive member 1604 or a portion thereof.

FIG. 16B illustrates an embodiment of a thermoelectric assembly 1600similar to the assembly shown in FIG. 16A; however, the assembly 1600shown in FIG. 16B includes a supplemental heating layer 1611. Thissupplemental heating layer 1611 may be provided between a trim or toplayer 1605 and the support surface B such that the supplemental heatinglayer 1611 extends along the surface B. In some embodiments, thesupplemental heating layer 1611 may be adjacent to, above, or below theflexible member 1604. In some embodiments, the supplemental heatinglayer 1611 may be a resistive heater.

In other arrangements, the seat can include a recess or gap which caninclude spacer (air permeable) material. As shown in FIG. 17A andsimilar to the embodiments discussed above, conductive cooling can beprovided by a thermoelectric device 1708 disposed in a channel 1714 andhaving a flexible conductive member 1704 extending along the subsurfaceB below a comfort layer 1701 and a trim layer 1705. The comfort orsmoothing layer 1701 may be attached to the trim layer 1705, for exampleby adhesive and/or sewing. The comfort or smoothing layer 1701 can beconfigured to prevent or reduce any “read through” or transfer ofheat/cooling from the conductive members that may cause user discomfort.In some embodiments, fins 1702 may be placed on the waste or hot side ofthe thermoelectric device 1708. The seat 1703 includes a recess or gap1731 into which an air permeable material 1730 may be placed to allowlateral air movement. The recess 1731 may be located toward to the topsurface A of the seat (that is, above the channel 1714) but below a trimlayer 1705 and a comfort layer 1701. The air permeable material 1730allows lateral air movement from the thermoelectric device 1708 andflexible conductive member 1704 to better distribute cool, ventilatedair to the conditioned surface of the seat. A blower 1706 may pull airfrom the top surface A, through the trim layer 1705, the comfort layer1701, the lateral air permeable material 1730, and through the channel1714, as indicated by arrows 120, 1722, and 1724. In some embodiments, anotch or slit may be provided in the subsurface B to allow the flexibleconductive material to pass through. As illustrated in FIG. 17B, thesubsurface B may include a slot 1712 through which the flexibleconductive member 1704 is passed.

FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment in which thermally insulating material1840 is provided on a side of the flexible conductive member 1804 toprevent, for example, cold air from being drawn into the seat 1803 awayfrom the occupant. As shown in FIG. 18 and similar to the embodimentsdiscussed above, conductive cooling can be provided by a thermoelectricdevice 1808 disposed in a channel 1814 and having a flexible conductivemember 1804 extending along the subsurface B. In some embodiments, fins1802 may be placed on the waste or hot side of the thermoelectric device1808. The thermally insulating material 1840 may be provided on a sideof the flexible conductive member 1804 between the flexible conductivemember 1804 and the subsurface B. The thermally insulating material 1840can prevent cold air from being drawn into the seat 1803 away from theoccupant but allows air to flow from the top surface of the seat 1803and through the channel 1814. In one embodiment, the insulating materialcan comprise a foam such as a cross-linked foam such as Volara®. Similarto FIG. 17A, discussed above, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18 mayinclude an air permeable material 1830 positioned in a recess of theseat 1803 to allow lateral air movement from the thermoelectric device1808 and flexible conductive member 1804 to better distribute cool,ventilated air to the conditioned surface of the seat. The air permeablematerial 1830 can be configure to generally allow air flow through thepermeable material 1830 while providing structural support similar tothe surrounding seat 1803 material.

FIGS. 19-35 provide additional disclosure and embodiments of a seatsystem employing a combination of convective and conductive thermalconditioning. For example, FIGS. 19-35 illustrate various embodimentsand methods for coupling the flexible thermally conductive member to thethermoelectric device.

FIGS. 19A and B illustrate two views of one embodiment of aconfiguration for a flexible conductive member. In this embodiment, asingle flexible conductive member 1904 is connected to thethermoelectric device 1908. As illustrated, in some embodiments, one ormore heat transfer devices, such as fins 1902, may be placed on thewaste or hot side of the thermoelectric device 1908.

Another embodiment of a configuration for a flexible conductive memberis shown in FIGS. 20A and B. In this embodiment, two flexible conductivemembers 2004A and 2004B are connected to the thermoelectric device 2008.Upon placement in the seat, the two flexible conductive members 2004Aand 2004B can be spread apart a distance X to provide additionalcoverage area. As illustrated in the side or profile view of FIG. 20B,the two flexible members 2004A, 2004B may be stacked one on top of theother when connected to the thermoelectric device 2008. While twoflexible conductive members are illustrated in FIGS. 20A and B, otherconfigurations may include 3, 4, 5, or 6 flexible conductive membersconnected to the thermoelectric device in a stacked or parallelconfiguration. As illustrated, in some embodiments, one or more heattransfer devices, such as fins 2002, may be placed on the waste or hotside of the thermoelectric device 2008.

Instead of a stacked configuration such as that shown in FIGS. 20A andB, one or more flexible conductive members may be connected in series orlaterally to the thermoelectric device, as illustrated in FIGS. 21A-D.As illustrated, flexible conductive members 2104A and 2104B areconnected side by side or laterally to the thermoelectric device 2108.As with the configuration discussed above with respect to FIGS. 20A andB, the flexible conductive members 2104A and 2104B may be spread apart adistance X′ to provide additional and more uniform coverage. Asillustrated, in some embodiments, one or more heat transfer devices,such as fins 2102, may be placed on the waste or hot side of thethermoelectric device 2108.

While the embodiments discussed above have been discussed with regard toproviding a cooling function, these embodiments may also be used with orwithout a blower to operate in a heating mode to provide heated air to aconditioned surface of a seat.

FIGS. 22A-C illustrate one issue related to the assembly process ofattaching the flexible conductive member to the thermoelectric device. Aconfiguration of a thermoelectric device can include a conductive layersuch as for example an outer copper layer. As shown, this outer copperlayer of the thermoelectric device 2208 is very flat; however, the meshof the flexible conductive member 2204 is not flat, that is, it has arough surface due to its construction from overlapping or braided wires.The weaving or braiding of the wires creates an uneven surface havingvoids such that the flexible conductive member 2204 may be difficult tosolder or attach to the flat surface of the thermoelectric device 2208.This difficulty is illustrated in FIG. 23. Directly soldering orotherwise attaching the flexible conductive member 2304 to thethermoelectric device 2308 may result in an unsatisfactory connectionbetween the thermoelectric device and the flexible conductive member.This unsatisfactory connection may result in reduced performance.Furthermore, voids in the soldered connection between the thermoelectricdevice and the flexible conductive member may create hot spots in thethermoelectric device and may be potential points of mechanical orthermal fatigue during use. As illustrated, in some embodiments, one ormore heat transfer devices, such as fins 2302, may be placed on thewaste or hot side of the thermoelectric device 2308.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25, a thermalintermediate flat copper plate 2407 could be positioned between thethermoelectric device 2408 and the flexible conductive member 2404(e.g., copper braid). Such an arrangement may provide better solderingat the thermoelectric device 2408 (e.g. “flat-on-flat” copper plate ofthe thermoelectric device to intermediate copper plate, as opposed tothe “flat-on-rough” of the thermoelectric device copper plate to theflexible conductive member) which may allow for a wider variety ofconfigurations of the flexible conductive member (e.g. multiple“off-shoots” of the braid) and better coverage on the seat. FIG. 25illustrates a side view of the assembly illustrated in FIG. 24. Asshown, the flexible conductive member 2404 is connected to theintermediate flat copper plate 2407 which is then soldered or otherwiseattached to the thermoelectric device 2408. This “flat-on-flat”connection improves the solder connection between the elements,providing durability and heat transfer benefits. As illustrated, in someembodiments, one or more heat transfer devices, such as fins 2402, maybe placed on the waste or hot side of the thermoelectric device 2408.

Various embodiments of intermediate plate and flexible member assembliesare shown in FIGS. 26-28. As shown in FIG. 26, the intermediate flatplate 2607 fits within the flattened “tube” of the flexible conductivemember 2604. In some embodiments, the intermediate plate may be“pre-tinned” to improve the connection between the intermediate plate2607 and the flexible conductive member 2604. An intermediate plate andflexible member assembly having multiple flexible conductive members isshown in FIG. 27. In this embodiment, the flexible conductive members2704A and 2704B are connected in series to an intermediate flat plate2707. As illustrated in FIG. 27B, the intermediate plate 2707 may have“prongs” such that each of the flexible members 2704A, 2704B can fitaround one of the “prongs” to provide a secure connection between theflexible members and the intermediate plate.

In some embodiments, the “prongs” extending from the intermediate platemay be separated such that the flexible conductive members do not touchor overlap when connected to the intermediate plate. As illustrated inFIGS. 28A-C, the intermediate plate 2807 is configured such that theflexible conductive members 2804A, 2804B are separated by a gap Z. The“prongs” of the intermediate plate 2807 fit within the flexibleconductive members 2804A, 2804B to provide a secure connection betweenthe flexible conductive members and the intermediate plate. The gap Z isconfigured to allow for clearance of the thickness of the flexibleconductive members 2804A, 2804B around the prongs of the intermediatemember 2807.

FIGS. 29-35 describe a flexible conductive element having modifiedshapes, sizes, and configurations. As discussed above, the use ofmultiple flexible conductive members connected to a thermoelectricdevice can provide better flexibility for coverage of the seat orconditioned surface in certain arrangements. FIGS. 29 and 30 illustratethe different cooling zone areas provided by two different flexibleconductive member configurations. In FIG. 29, a single flexibleconductive member 2904 provides a cooling zone area 2940. A largercooling zone 3040 is illustrated in FIG. 30, as a result of two flexibleconductive members 3004A, 3004B connected to the thermoelectric device.

FIGS. 31-35 illustrate various configurations of multiple flexibleconductive members connected to a thermoelectric device. As illustratedin FIG. 31, multiple flexible conductive members 3104A-C are connectedto the thermoelectric device via the intermediate plate 3107. Similarly,the intermediate plates 3207 and 3307 illustrated in FIGS. 32 and 33,respectively, illustrate another configuration for attachment ofmultiple flexible conductive members 3204A-C, and 3304A-D. Theseconfigurations provide an even large zone of conditioning due than theconfigurations shown in FIGS. 29 and 30. As illustrated in FIGS. 34 and35, the flexible conductive member could also be in a flat,non-rectangular configuration, as illustrated by conductive members 3404and 3504. The flexible conductive member may be cut to any shape,including non-rectangular shapes, depending on the size andconfiguration of the support member and surface to be conditioned. Inthese configurations, greater distribution of cold or heat is achieved.

FIG. 36 illustrates another configuration of a thermoelectric assemblythat can be used in embodiments according to the present disclosure.This thermoelectric device can be used with any of the climate controlassemblies discussed above. In the illustrated configuration, athermoelectric device is comprised of a first copper plate 3641 a, afirst electrically insulating layer 3640 a, a first interconnectinglayer 3642 a, thermoelectric pellets 3608, and a second interconnectinglayer 3642 b, a second electrically insulating layer 3640 b, and asecond copper plate 3641 b. Fins 3602 a and 3602 b may be placed on theoutside surfaces of the copper plates 3641 a, 3641 b to form a heattransfer device to conduct heat away from the thermoelectric device. Inthis embodiment, the thermoelectric device includes fins on both sidesof the device. However, as described in the embodiments described above,the fins on one side of the device can be omitted and the copper platecan be coupled to a flexible conductive member. In some configurations,the insulating layers 3640 a, 3640 b may be formed of an epoxy orpolyimide. Additional details of an exemplary thermoelectric device canbe found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/546,928 (Publication No.2008/0087316) filed on Oct. 12, 2006, the entirety of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein. For example, U.S. Patent PublicationNo. 2008/0087316 discusses that a thermoelectric device can include aplurality of semiconductor elements.

FIG. 37 illustrates another configuration of a thermoelectric assemblysimilar to the embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 36 withsimilar numbers used to identify similar components. Instead of fins ononside of the device, the assembly can include a conductive plate—e.g.,copper plate 3741 that extends beyond the additional layers comprisingthe thermoelectric device to provide a surface to solder 3705 orotherwise attach a flexible member 3604. As described above, otherconfigurations can be provided for conductively coupling the flexiblemember 3604 to the thermoelectric assembly.

FIGS. 38A and B and 39A and B illustrate another climate control systemfor a seat according the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 38A (topview) and B (cross-sectional view), the flexible member 3804 may extendthrough an opening, channel or slot 3812 such that the flexible member3804 extends along a surface below a comfort layer and a trim layer(both not shown), such as comfort layer 1701 and trim layer 1705discussed above with respect to FIGS. 17A and 17B. In someconfigurations, the flexible members 3804 a-d may be above (as shown) orbelow a spacer or distribution layer 3801 a-d. The spacer layer 3801 a-das illustrated in FIGS. 38A and B can be between the flexible members3804 a-d and a support layer 3803 of the seat. The space layer 3801 a-dcan be positioned within recesses formed in the support layer 3803. Insome embodiments, a comfort layer, such as the comfort layer 3955discussed below with respect to FIGS. 39A and 39B, may be placed abovethe flexible members 3804 a-d and the spacer layer 3801 a-d. The spacerlayer 3801 a-d can be configured to allow air to flow laterally andupwardly through the structure while maintaining a space between twosurfaces, such as the support layer 3803 and the trim/cover layer, whichmay comprise both an outer trim layer and a comfort/smoothing layer asdiscussed above with respect to FIGS. 17A and 17B. The spacer layer canbe formed of a variety of materials such as a honey-combed foammaterial, material with channels and passages formed therein, 3D spacerfabrics, mesh netting fabrics, spacing plates, etc. As an example, onepreferred material is sold under the trade name 3MESH® and iscommercially available from Mueller Textil GmbH, Germany or MuellerTextiles, Inc., Rhode Island, USA. Other preferred spacing devices andspacing plates are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,777,320, the entirety ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. U.S. Pat. No.8,777,320 discusses that an air channel can include a structural member.The channels 3814 a and 3814 b may fluidly connect to channels 3876 and3872 that are part of a manifold system mounted to the bottom of theseat pan, as illustrated in more detail in FIG. 40.

FIGS. 39A and B illustrate a configuration as in FIGS. 38A and 39B thatalso includes a second comfort layer 3955. The second comfort layer 3955restricts airflow into the climate control assembly to specificlocations, such as openings 3950. The second comfort layer 3955 islocated between the flexible conductive members 3904 a-d and the spacerlayer 3901 a-d below. The second comfort layer 3955 can comprises two ormore pieces of comfort foam defining a gap or channel 3982 between them.The gap or channel 3982 can allow a trim layer, such as trim layer 1701discussed above with respect to FIGS. 17A and 17B, to be secureddirectly to the support layer 3803 beneath. The openings 3950 in thesecond comfort layer 3955 direct airflow through specified channels,such as channels 3914 a, 3914 b in the seat assembly. These channels maybe connected to a manifold system, such as the system 4000 illustratedin FIG. 40. In the embodiments described herein, the trim layer or toplayer (e.g., a seat covering material such as upholstery, leather,cloth) and/or an intermediate layer can be made of air permeablematerial and/or can be perforated or otherwise formed with holes and/orpassages for allowing the flow of air there-through such that air canflow through the trim or top later and the intermediate layer into thechannel or channels.

The conductive members 3904 a-d can be located in areas where theoccupant contacts the seat and can extend towards each other as shown inFIGS. 39A and 39B or longitudinally as illustrated by the dotted lines.A distribution or spacer layers 3901 a-d, as discussed above, canoverlap the respective conductive members 3904 a-d in areas of contactwith the occupant. The distribution or spacer layer can also extend intoareas adjacent to areas where the occupant contacts the seat to draw airaround the occupant and into the seat.

As illustrated in FIG. 39B, the second comfort layer 3955 may includerecesses in which the conductive members 3904 are partially (as shown)or fully recessed such that the top of the conductive members 3904 areflush with the top surface of the second comfort layer 3955.Alternatively, the conductive members 3904 may not be placed withinrecesses in the second comfort layer 3955. While FIG. 39B illustrates aspace between the heat exchanger coupled to the waste side of thethermoelectric device, in other embodiments the heat exchanger may abutor extend above the distribution or spacer layer 3901 to minimize thelength of the conductive member 3904.

FIG. 40 illustrates a manifold system 4000 that is attached to a seatpan of a seat assembly 4003 from below. The manifold system 4000 couplesa single fan or blower 4060 to multiple channels 4070, 4072, 4074, 4076or thermoelectric devices. The manifold system 4000 can draw air fromthe surface adjacent to the user, through the climate controlled seatassembly via the channels as illustrated in FIGS. 38A, 38B, 39A, 39B.

As discussed above, the flexible conductive member may comprise coppermesh or copper braid material. These materials are advantageous as theyhave high thermal conductivity and may be soldered directly to a copperconnection on the thermoelectric device. However, in other embodiments,other conductive materials, such as aluminum mesh or braid or graphiteor graphone may be used for the flexible conductive members.

To assist in the description of the disclosed embodiments, words such asupward, upper, downward, lower, vertical, horizontal, upstream, anddownstream have been used above to describe the accompanying figures. Itwill be appreciated, however, that the illustrated embodiments can belocated and oriented in a variety of desired positions.

In the above description, various components are described as beingassociated with the “back” or “seat” cushion. In modified embodiments,it should be appreciated that the subcomponents of the back and seatcushions may be reversed and/or made to the same. In still otherembodiments, the various components of the illustrated embodiments maybe combined and/or may be applied to different zones of a seat, such as,for example, a top and bottom portion of a backrest portion. In otherembodiments, the features of the back and seat cushions may be appliedto different zones of an occupant area that are to be thermallyconditioned, such as, for example, back and rear seat assemblies or leftand right seat assemblies.

Although several embodiments and examples are disclosed herein, thepresent application extends beyond the specifically disclosedembodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of theinventions and modifications and equivalents thereof. It is alsocontemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of thespecific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and stillfall within the scope of the inventions. Accordingly, it should beunderstood that various features and aspects of the disclosedembodiments can be combine with or substituted for one another in orderto form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intendedthat the scope of the present inventions herein disclosed should not belimited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, butshould be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

While the embodiments disclosed herein are susceptible to variousmodifications, and alternative forms, specific examples thereof havebeen shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that the inventions are not to be limited to theparticular forms or methods disclosed, but, to the contrary, theinventions are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternativesfalling within the spirit and scope of the various embodiments describedand the appended claims. Any methods disclosed herein need not beperformed in the order recited. The methods disclosed herein includecertain actions taken by a user; however, they can also include anythird-party instruction of those actions, either expressly or byimplication. For example, actions such as “directing” or “activating”include “instructing directing” or “instructing activating,”respectively. The ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and alloverlap, sub-ranges, and combinations thereof. Language such as “up to,”“at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” “between,” and the likeincludes the number recited. Numbers preceded by a term such as “about”or “approximately” include the recited numbers. For example, “about 10mm” includes “10 mm.” Terms or phrases preceded by a term such as“substantially” include the recited term or phrase. For example,“substantially parallel” includes “parallel.”

Although the foregoing description of the preferred embodiments hasshown, described, and pointed out certain novel features, it will beunderstood that various omissions, substitutions, and changes in theform of the detail of the apparatus as illustrated, as well as the usesthereof, may be made by those skilled in the art without departing fromthe spirit of this disclosure. Consequently, the scope of the presentinventions should not be limited by the foregoing discussion, which isintended to illustrate rather than limit the scope of the inventions.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for controlling climate of a topportion of a seat cushion, the apparatus comprising: the seat cushionhaving the top portion configured to support an occupant; athermoelectric device configured to transfer heat between a main side ofthe thermoelectric device and a waste side of the thermoelectric device,the thermoelectric device comprising a plurality of semiconductorelements; a flexible member comprising a thermally conductive portion inthermal communication with the main side of the thermoelectric device,the thermally conductive portion configured to conductively cool or heatthe top portion of the seat cushion; and a blower configured to move airthrough the top portion to provide conditioning to the top portionthrough convection, wherein the blower is configured to move air overthe waste side that is moved through the top portion configured tosupport the occupant.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the thermallyconductive portion is below a surface of the top portion by a distancewithin a range between 0.5 mm and 200 mm.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the thermally conductive portion extends at least partiallyalong the top portion.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thethermally conductive portion is part of the top portion.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the flexible member extends beyond thethermoelectric device.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thethermally conductive portion is flat.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a plurality of fins in thermal communication with thewaste side of the thermoelectric device, the plurality of fins within anair flow channel extending through the seat cushion.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein the air flow channel extends at least partially alongthe top portion.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an airchannel in thermal communication with the waste side of thethermoelectric device, the air channel at least partially in the seatcushion.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a plurality offins in thermal communication with the waste side of the thermoelectricdevice, wherein the plurality of fins extend from the thermoelectricdevice to a sidewall of the air channel.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9,wherein the air channel comprises a structural member.
 12. The apparatusof claim 1, further comprising a plurality of fins in thermalcommunication with the waste side of the thermoelectric device, whereinthe plurality of fins are generally triangular-shaped.
 13. The apparatusof claim 1, further comprising a plurality of fins in thermalcommunication with the waste side of the thermoelectric device whereinthe plurality of fins are generally U-shaped.
 14. A climate controlledassembly comprising: a support member having a support surfaceconfigured to support an occupant; a thermally conductive flexiblemember extending along the support surface; a thermoelectric devicecomprising a main side and a waste side, the thermoelectric devicecomprising a plurality of semiconductor elements, the thermoelectricdevice configured to transfer heat between the main and waste sides, themain side in thermal communication with the thermally conductiveflexible member to provide a cooling or heating effect to the supportsurface through conduction; and an air channel in the support memberconfigured to direct air through the support surface, wherein the airchannel is configured to move air over the waste side that is movedthrough the support surface.
 15. The assembly of claim 14, whereinthermally conductive flexible member is flat.
 16. The assembly of claim14, wherein the thermally conductive flexible member is below thesupport surface by a distance within a range between 0.5 mm and 200 mm.17. The assembly of claim 14, wherein the thermally conductive flexiblemember extends at least partially below the support surface and at leastpartially along the support surface.
 18. A climate controlled assemblycomprising: a support member having a support surface configured tosupport an occupant; a thermoelectric device comprising a main side anda waste side, the thermoelectric device configured to transfer heatbetween the main and waste sides; a heat transfer device in thermalcommunication with the thermoelectric device to provide a cooling orheating effect, the heat transfer device comprising at least one ofgraphite or graphene; and a blower configured to move air through thesupport surface, wherein the blower is configured to move air over thewaste side that is moved through the support surface.
 19. The assemblyof claim 18, wherein the heat transfer device comprises a thermallyconductive member in thermal communication with the main side of thethermoelectric device to provide a cooling or heating effect to thesupport surface.
 20. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the heat transferdevice comprises a plurality of fins in thermal communication with thewaste side of the thermoelectric device.
 21. The assembly of claim 20,further comprising an air channel in thermal communication with thewaste side of the thermoelectric device, the air channel at leastpartially in the support member, wherein the plurality of fins are inthe air channel.
 22. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the plurality offins extend to a sidewall of the air channel.
 23. The assembly of claim20, wherein at least two fins of the plurality of fins are formed fromat least one continuous layer of material.
 24. The assembly of claim 21,wherein the blower is configured to move air through the support surfacevia the air channel.